Having won three major sailing titles in 2011/2012, Brearey, who was crowned the Reporter’s Sports Personality of the Year last February, is hoping to fulfil his dreams of competing in Brazil, after postponing his London 2012 Olympic ambitions to finish his university degree.

“Rio 2016 is getting closer, believe me it will come around fast,” said the former Newport Grammar school pupil.

“My training has already started, the next few months are about getting in the best possible shape, utilising my local gym, Fitness Focus in Clavering, for when my boat arrives in May 2013. Missing out on London 2012 was really tough, but has made me even more motivated than ever to push towards Rio 2016.”

After changing to the highest performing sailing class outside of the Olympic Games – the Fireball class – and dedicating himself to performing against the best out there, Brearey went on to win the 2010 Fireball European Championship.

In 2011 he won his first ever national title, along with silver at the World Championships and silver in the Fireball National Championships. He then went on to win the 2012 Fireball World Championships, in Australia, becoming the world champion and therefore holding the two biggest titles – the european and world titles – simultaneously.

Earlier in 2012 Brearey added another european title and european silver medal to his collection.

Achieving repeated success has come from commitment and hard work in all areas of his physical training, which now includes working with two new coaches at the University of East London where Brerey is presently studying, together with regular arduous weight-training sessions at his local gym, Fitness Focus.

And he knows the importance of giving back and motivating younger generations for repeated GB success in future Olympics. Working with Sport England and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, Brearey uses his time away from sailing to create and support opportunities for children and young people to take up sport and achieve their goals.

“Having achieved so much in my sailing career to date because of the support and guidance of others, I am keen to put back into the sport, and help to share my knowledge with the next generation of champions,” he says.

“My mission is to aspire and to achieve, while inspiring and motivating others through my work with Sport England and the Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust. If I can get one more person playing sport that’s fantastic, and you never know, they may be the next Jessica Ennis or Bradley Wiggins.”